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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

State Restrictions Increasing Demand for Abortion Medication

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Tuesday, June 8, 2021   

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas enacted twenty restrictions on abortion during this year's legislative session, more than any other state, and a recent study shows restrictions such as these are helping to drive demand for abortion medication nationwide.

The Food and Drug Administration approved medication to be mailed to women during the pandemic.

Karen Ricketts, board member of the Arkansas Coalition for Reproductive Justice, said mounting obstacles and the prospect of Roe v. Wade being challenged in an upcoming Supreme Court case have rural advocacy groups worried.

"A lot of women don't get to make the decisions that best meet their needs or their families' needs, because of these bills," Ricketts asserted.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas and other groups filed a lawsuit last month against a law that bans abortion in all cases except when the health of the mother is in danger. The law has no exception for rape or incest. It's been called the most restrictive abortion law in the country.

Ricketts noted the Arkansas law is more restrictive than the 15-week Mississippi abortion ban being considered by the Supreme Court. She added state lawmakers also are pushing voter-suppression laws.

"I think we're making progress, but again, this last election in 2020, Arkansas still has one of the lowest voter turnouts," Ricketts recounted.

Arkansas has enacted several voter restrictions this year, including bills that limit the absentee ballot return period, and ban anyone except voters from coming within 100 feet of a polling place, including volunteers distributing food and water to voters in long lines.


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